Rocheport: Tunnels, Towering Bluffs & Bluff-Top Wineries
Paddle Sports Lifestyle: Finding Your Epic Adventure Through Kayaking and Paddling, MR340 and BeyondShow Notes
Towering limestone bluffs. The only railroad tunnel on the Katy Trail. Seasonal waterfalls cascading down ancient rock faces. A bluff-top winery overlooking the Missouri River. Rocheport is more than just another town along the MR340 course; it's one of the most scenic places on the entire river. In this episode we explore how a natural harbor at the mouth of Moniteau Creek helped transform Rocheport into one of Missouri's busiest river ports, why Lewis and Clark stopped here, and how railroad engineers created the Rocheport Tunnel. Whether you're preparing for the MR340, planning a Katy Trail adventure, or simply curious about Missouri's river history, Rocheport is worth a visit, or even a long weekend.
TOURISM, ENTERTAINMENT, DINING & RESOURCES EATING:
Meriwether Cafe and Bike Shop – Great breakfast and lunch, outdoor patio, and bike rentals right on the Katy Trail. https://meriwethercafeandbikeshop.com
Rocheport General Store: A longtime favorite for sandwiches, soups, desserts, and a relaxed small-town atmosphere.
The A-Frame at Les Bourgeois Vineyards: Casual bluff-top wine garden with incredible Missouri River views.
Blufftop at Rocheport https://missouriwine.com/
The Bistro at Les Bourgeois Vineyards: Looks like this is events only now. But you can still visit the Blufftop and the A-Frame
The Rocheport Winery at Mount Nebo Inn: A nice option if you're looking for wine, dinner, and live music in town.
Attractions: The Rocheport Historical Museum is tiny, AND closed for 2026!! But if you are in the area later, it tells the story of the town's river heritage, Lewis & Clark, the MKT Railroad, the Civil War, and even includes a mural depicting more than 200 years of local history. https://friendsofrocheport.org/
Huntsdale Nature Conservancy
McBaine Burr Oak- right after the Huntsdale ramp. Estimated to be between 350 and 400 years old, locals know it as “the big tree.” It stands alone – no other tree is within 1,000 feet. As the largest burr oak tree in Missouri, it’s tied with another in Kentucky for the title of the national champion (largest) of the specie, Quercus macrocarpa.
Official MR340 2026 Food Vendors for this stretch of river: Franklin Island (Paddlestop) - Turkey sandwiches on hawaiian sweet rolls and drinks provided by local volunteers, purchased by The Nature Conservancy of Missouri. Huntsdale - Hosted by The Nature Conservancy of Missouri. Snacks provided. Cooper's Landing (Paddlestop)
*****
2026 Barge Report https://mr340.org/news/2026-race-barge-report/
2026 Food - (scroll down the page) https://mr340.org/resources/race-course/
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